Corrections officer hospitalized after assault

Suspected inmate put in restricted housing

Another corrections officer has landed in the hospital after getting attacked while on the job.

The state Department of Corrections says the assault happened early Wednesday morning at the Minnesota Corrections Facility in Rush City.

The female officer was punched in the face by an inmate while she was at the officer's desk in a living unit and fought off the suspect until help arrived.

“The other officers’ professional response was essential to protecting their fellow officer and maintaining the safety of all individuals at the facility,” according to a press release. “We commend our corrections officers for their professional response.”

The unidentified officer was taken to the hospital for evaluation while the suspect was put into restrictive housing.

After the death of Corrections Officer Joseph Gomm in the Stillwater Prison in July, many officers have become more vocal about what they say is a lack of appropriate staffing levels in the prison system statewide.

DOC officials contend that they have been asking for more funding from the legislature but have been denied.